After taking a concoction of drinks and drugs, the trio entered the gambling establishment with a claw hammer and raised this weapon to the staff, before demanding the money.

Today, the three men who have a list of 223 offences combined, have been jailed for more than 11 years.

The robbery

Daniel Lee 33, entered the bingo hall first and aimed to distract staff by pretending to sell perfume. His actions also allowed him to evaluate the setting, which would then unfold. Soon after, Josh Starkey aged 23 and John Kologaras followed, with Josh clutching the fearsome claw hammer.

Abdul Shakoor, prosecuting described the terrifying actions of Starkey to the court: “He walked up to the complainant and told her to give him the money from the money belt she was wearing. He pulled out the claw hammer and the bag fell to the floor. He raised the hammer and waved it down towards the complainant as though he was going to strike her with it. He didn’t. He shouted ‘Give me your money! Give me your f****** belt!’ The complainant, fearful of being attacked, handed over the belt. It contained about £80.” Josh then fled the scene, but wasn’t exactly quick on his feet, because his distinctive limp slowed him down and he was caught over two hours later by a police helicopter and a police dog.

Kologaras was severely intoxicated, which meant he could barely stand. His sole role was to carry the bag in which the claw hammer was stored. Eight weeks after this incident, a member of the public flagged down a police car after spotting Kologaras bent over, wretching in the street. He was found with a 10-inch blade and was arrested.

Sentencing

Josh Starkey, of west Hull, was jailed for five years after admitting robbery and two thefts. The judge told him on sentencing: “I have observed you during the course of this hearing and when it’s said on your behalf you are ashamed of this behaviour I’m inclined to accept that as true. Well, you ought to be ashamed of it because it is despicable behaviour.”

Daniel Lee, of east Hull, admitted assisting an offender and was jailed for 32 months.

John Kologaras, of west Hull, admitted to assisting an offender and having a bladed article and was jailed for three years and 11 months.